Region 5 News Release: 12-2226-CHI
Dec. 3, 2012
Contact: Scott Allen Rhonda Burke
Phone: 312-353-6976
Email: allen.scott@dol.gov burke.rhonda@dol.gov

US Department of Labor's OSHA establishes alliance with
Wisconsin Agri-Business Association to address grain industry hazards

MADISON, Wis. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has established an alliance with the Wisconsin Agri-Business Association that will focus on addressing the grain and feed industry's six major danger areas, which are outlined in OSHA's Local Emphasis Program for Grain Handling Facilities. These include engulfment, falls, auger entanglement, "struck-by," combustible dust and electrocution hazards.

"This alliance is an opportunity for OSHA and the Wisconsin Agri-Business Association to work together to train employers and workers about the unique hazards of the grain and feed industry," said Kim Stille, OSHA's area director in Madison. "We will continue to improve the safety and health of workers on Wisconsin farms."

OSHA and the Wisconsin Agri-Business Association will provide information and guidance to employees and employers, and develop training programs to reduce injuries and improve overall safety and health. Emphasis will be placed on using effective machine guarding as well as implementing programs for locking out the energy sources of equipment and entering confined spaces. Additionally, the partners jointly will identify and develop speaker resources for local meetings and conventions, and informational materials to be disseminated at these events.

Through its Alliance Program, OSHA works with businesses, trade associations, unions, consulates, professional organizations, faith- and community-based organizations, and educational institutions to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses. The purpose of each alliance is to develop compliance assistance tools and resources, and educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/alliances/index.html.

OSHA's Wisconsin area offices in Appleton, Eau Claire, Madison and Milwaukee are participating in this alliance. Wisconsin employers and employees with questions about this or other OSHA alliances and partnerships can call the Madison Area Office at 608-441-5388.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The information above is available in large print, Braille or CD from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7830 or TTY 202-693-7755.